Job Discussion Forums

[nene]

I'm sure it gets asked every other day, but I could use a little perspective. With a BS (in Chemistry) and one year EFL experience (in Korea), am I employable in the UAE? If so, could I teach adults? What might I expect to earn? Thank you kindly for your help.

[veiledsentiments]

The answer is a weak maybe... but you would be stuck at the bottom of the pay/benefit scale - with the most undependable abusive employers... in a place where minimal enjoyment requires a decent paycheck. I'd say that you are much better off in Asia with no credentials.

VS

[Sole Survivor]

This question does come up frequently. What is also frequent is the negative answer that usually accompanies it.
I could go off on a rant about how Westerners expect to live like kings after spending some time in the region with their MA's etc., but I'll save it.

Bottom line: English speaking science teachers are in demand. If you come to the UAE, 8000 Dhs/mth will do you fine (accomodation included of course) I wouldn't come over for much less than that.

If you want a Mercedes, a maid, a mansion that only medical doctors in the West can afford, then stay at home and get your MD.

[veiledsentiments]

But, what schools would hire a chemistry degree holder if it wasn't part of an education degree? Definitely not the better ones... Considering all the horror stories about the employment practices of so many of the so-called 'international schools,' I would be very careful...

But the chances would probably be better than as an EFL teacher...

No chance of teaching adults though...

VS

[Sole Survivor]

Lack of Ed. degree does hurt your choices and pocketbook!

[cam]

With a chemistry degree you should be able to find something better than teaching.

[nene]

cam - Do you mean in the UAE, or at home? If you mean in the UAE, I'm intrigued - if you could point me toward anything potentially useful, I'd really appreciate it...

[umzakaria]

I would just like to say that with a biology degree,4 years experience as a research biochemist,a poor TEFL cert and some teaching experience I have just accepted a secondary science teaching post at a very good school,with a good wage and accom.It can be done you just have to keep on trying,especially this time of year,some schools are very anxious to fill last minute posts,fortunate for us "lower down the pile sorts...!!"Good luck

[qas419]

I would say yes but with a condition:in the UAE it doesnot matter if you have a BA in English or in Chemistry as long as you are a native speaker of English, which means you must be white. Your EFL/ESL certificate will easily qualilfy you to teach in any government owned school or institute there. A friend of mine who is British Asian and was born in Britain got almost through Zayed University with a Master's in TEFL until he was discovered that he was of Pakistani orgin and his applicatin was turned down. But academically speaking, your qualifications, and I am speaking from my own experience, will definitely qualify you to teach adult ESL learners in any university in the world.

[veiledsentiments]

[nene]

Wow - thanks all. So it sounds like, even if I wanted to try to teach chemistry, it would be advisable to make the time and money investment in a certificate. What I'm hearing is also that I should search for work in the desired country of employment, rather than from abroad - does that sound right?

I'm hesitant to invest in a cert because I don't see this as a career; I'm just finishing my first year and am considering doing one more. But it seems like even in that scenerio a certification might be worthwhile.....

[veiledsentiments]

If you are only planning to do one more year and just want to try out the Middle East, you could go to somewhere like Egypt or Morocco and pick up jobs in Language Schools. You might be able to find something, but don't expect to make much money.

I'd say that you are probably better off in Asia...

VS